'New' Josh Schneider primed to shine at U.S. Nationals

Josh Schneider, a 2010 NCAA champion from University of Cincinnati in the 50 yard freestyle, talks to swimmers participating in the BREAKout! Swim Clinic at the Keating Natatorium at St. Xavier High School in 2013. Schneider will continue his drive toward the 2016 Summer Olympics Aug. 10 when he competes in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2014 Phillips 66 U.S. National Championships in California.(Photo: Liz Dufour/Community Press)

CLIFTON – When Josh Schneider steps on the swim blocks at the 2014 Phillips 66 U.S. National Championships Aug. 10, don't expect to see the same guy you've come accustomed to seeing in the pool.

After battling a nine-month slump and depression caused by narrowly missing out on the 2012 Summer Olympics, the 2006 Taylor High School graduate and 2010 Division I NCAA national champion in the 50-meter freestyle is re-focused on beating his opponents; literally.

"I have that eye-of-the-tiger mentality back," Schneider said. "I just want to smash anybody I ever see (in a race) all the time. I've put a lot more pride back in my swimming."

That pride has produced positive results en route to nationals. Schneider swam his best time of the year (22.17) at the 2014 Arena Grand Prix in Charlotte in May and nearly bested that July 21 when he took first place at the Oxford Sectionals July 21. Admittedly tired of not winning, Schneider used some motivation from 2012 to power his way to victories in both Charlotte and Oxford.

"I'm just bitter about 2012 and I think I always will be," the University of Cincinnati graduate said. "I honestly know myself better; have a clearer vision of what I want to do and how I want to do it. Before, there were a lot of question marks before 2012. I have a lot of them extinguished and I'm just ready to move forward and I know what I need to do and how to do it and I just have to do it. It's harder work, but it's easier to do because you mentally know it's going to pay off and it's the right direction to go."

A lot is riding on how Schneider performs at nationals in California. The top six in each event qualify for the USA National Team, but if the former Yellow Jacket's time ranks in the top 12 in the world he'll qualify to receive a stipend, health insurance and travel reimbursement. Knowing what it's like not qualifying for the national team (2011) and just inching his way on by .01 seconds in 2013, Schneider is focused on 2014 being his year.

"I'm just really hoping this meet pays dividends," the 6-foot-5, 225 pounder said. "I think the American record will be broken this year one way or another and I know I can do it; it's just a matter of doing it. I'm really excited and I think this year is going to be my breakout year; I really do."

In the meantime Schneider will take his talents to the coaching ranks. In addition to coaching first grade football in the Taylor youth football program, Schneider was named an assistant coach at UC July 31 under first-year head coach Mandy Commons-DiSalle.

"As a decorated alumni and native of Cincinnati, I'm thrilled to welcome Josh back to the UC family," Commons-DiSalle told GoBearcats.com. "I'm looking forward to the knowledge and experience he will bring to our program. I'm excited to have him on staff and be able to coach him as he continues his Olympic pursuits."

As for Schneider, it's a way to be more involved at his alma mater and help rebuild a program that's produced 10 Olympians in its history, while keep a swim-first mentality

"I just think they wanted me to get more involved and it works perfectly because they know me well and they know that swimming and my career still comes first and then coaching comes second. I think we have great coaches who are very ambitious and I think this program will excel forward beyond measure of what it was in the past. I'm pumped about it and I feel grateful that they came and asked me."